Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

Your doctor will place a tiny flexible probe through your urethra and up the ureter toward the stone. The probe has two electrodes at the end. Images will help locate the stone. After the stone is located, the device will be used. An electrical spark will break the stone. A special basket or forceps may be used to grab the stone fragments and remove them. The stone fragments may be allowed to pass in the urine.

Depending on the size of the stone, more than one probe may be used. A stent may be placed in the ureter. It will help protect the lining while the stone fragments pass or damage is being repaired.

There may be fragments that are too large to pass after the procedure. These can be treated again with lithotripsy.

How Long Will It Take?

30-60 minutes depending on the size and location of the stone

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is usually done in an outpatient setting. In most cases, there will be no hospital stay.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be monitored as you recover from anesthesia.

Pain medication will be given.

You may be asked to get up and walk around before leaving the care center.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

At Home

To help with your recovery at home:

Drink plenty of water in the weeks after the procedure. This will help the stone pieces to pass.

Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Inability to urinate

Excess blood in your urine

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Kidney stones in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults. Updated February 2013. Accessed March 7, 2016.